Leeds beat Western Sydney Wanderers to close Australia tour

Leeds United ended their tour of Australia with a win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Leeds United will leave Australia with a victory after a scrappy 2-1 win against A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

The Championship side lost 4-0 on Wednesday night to Manchester United in Perth, and only just secured a win in Sydney after an eleventh-hour goal from Pablo Hernandez.

In what was the Wanderers' first preseason fixture, they were gritty in their performance against a Leeds side that went close to a return to the English Premier League for the upcoming season.

The visitors took an early advantage in front of a boisterous and packed crowd, as space opened up for Jack Harrison on the left before he cut it back in to 17-year old Mateusz Bogusz who finished brilliantly in the ninth minute. Leeds dominated the opening 45 minutes, creating plenty of chances but failed to capitalise on the majority of them meaning they would head to the break with just a one-goal buffer.

The hosts restored parity only three minutes after halftime as a pinpoint ball from Keanu Baccus found Kwame Yeboah, who finished off a lovely counter attack with ease. Some brilliant saves from Wanderers keeper Daniel Lopar kept them in the hunt for an upset victory, but the 95th minute winner from the Spaniard ensured the better side came away with the result.

After the game Wanderers striker Mitch Duke said he was hugely impressed with the result as his side kicked off their preparation for the 2019/20 season.

"It's tough to see a goal like that at the end but but I'm very happy with the boys," he said. "I loved the atmosphere; it was unbelievable for both sides and it really speaks to the fans. "It's still early doors but it's definitely an exciting time to be a part of the club."